Posted January 31, 2022
1.28
Update from Principal Thomas
Dear Denver South Students and Families,
As we shared last week, students have started the Choice of Study process and will be selecting their 2022-2023 courses with their Counselor in the coming days. We have made some changes to our course catalog (linked here) as we work towards providing an equitable education to all of our students.
As part of our building-wide priority to dismantle systemic and structural racism in education, our South team committed to learning more about the impact of course scheduling. Throughout the 2019-20 school year, we met with various student groups to gain insight into different experiences within our Honors/AP/CE classes at South. These student groups presented to our entire staff and based on their feedback, we knew we needed to take a deeper look at our Honors system here at South. Their experiences, and our data points, showed that students of color are underrepresented in our most rigorous classes not because they lack the skills to be in those courses, but because they less frequently see students of color represented in these classes.
In an effort to address this, we focused our professional development on equitable grading practices throughout the 2020-2021 school year. Our staff read articles, books, and research, which resulted in an Honors grading pilot in our English department in Spring 2021. This fall, we included our math and science departments. Our instructional leadership team and equity team analyzed the data from these department pilots and ultimately made the decision to allow ALL students access to Honors curriculum and option for weighted grades.
Instead of having students select “Honors” or “Non-Honors”, we will be offering high-level, rigorous coursework to every student in our building, in every core class. Honors credit will be awarded in core classes to every student who can demonstrate advanced mastery, rather than just those in designated Honors classes. We are not removing Honors credit options for any students; we are just allowing increased access to those who may not have had access before.
We thank you for your continued understanding as we align the school systems to our vision and equity priorities.
If you have specific questions, please ask your student to connect with their Counselor during Choice of Study meetings.
We hope everyone continues to stay safe during this time. Please keep your students home if they are experiencing any symptoms for 5 days. You can now order free at home COVID tests using this link: http://covidtests.gov/ You will be able to order up to 4 tests per household starting next Wednesday.
Be sure to review the updated guidance documents and the Decision Tree.
You can access current and past communications, as well as other important information on our website.
Go Ravens!
We are Denver South!
Sincerely,
Bobby Thomas
Principal, South High School
Upcoming Dates for 2021-2022 School Year:
February 14-18: Ravens Week
February 21-22: No School
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Vision and Hearing Testing
There will be vision and hearing testing for all students starting 2/18. Families will have the choice to opt out. More information will be provided next week.
Athletics & Activities
Students interested in purchasing a Letter Jacket can contact Denver Athletic at 303-761-7773 or garv@denverathletic.com.
Black Hockey History Mobile Museum Tour Site Overview
Event: Black Hockey History Mobile Museum
Event Date: Wednesday, February 9, 2022
Event Timing: Museum Open to Public 12pm-6pm
Location: All-City Parking lot
Goal of Event: To highlight and share the Black Hockey History Mobile Museum’s visit to Denver and celebrate Black History Month
PTSA
Launching the Denver South Business Directory
New This Year: Help us put together a business directory of Denver South-owned/managed businesses.
After all – We Are Denver South!
Please complete the enclosed form.
Parent and Caregiver Education
February 23 Webinar with Dr. Sheryl Ziegler, Parenting Expert
Register for our February Webinar on February 23 at 6:30 on Parenting Teens by Dr. Sheryl Ziegler.
Dr. Ziegler has appeared as a mental health expert in 100+ news related shows including The Today Show with Megyn Kelly, The Katie Couric Show, The Jenny McCarthy Show, The Doctors, CNN, CNBC, Headline News Weekend Express with Lynn Smith, Morning Express with Robin Meade, and more. Articles she has contributed to have been featured in The New York Times, The Washington Post, Harvard Business Review, TIME, Better Homes and Gardens, Parents, Real Simple, Huffington Post and more. Her book has been translated into several different languages. She is an international speaker in countries including Kenya, Nigeria, Tanzania, Germany and Australia. For more about Dr. Ziegler, her podcast, book and more check out her website.
Volunteers Needed
Our library needs help! Please email Teresa Harper, our school librarian, if you have time to help out in the library.
Next Membership Meeting
Our next membership meeting is Thursday, February 3.
We will meet on Zoom again, with no in person option.
Click here for our agenda, including Zoom details.
Advanced Chamber Orchestra
Every year, DPS sponsors a citywide orchestra program. This year, six South students have been selected to participate in the Advanced Chamber Orchestra. This is a selective group that only accepts around 40 students each year. Way to go Ravens!
Alan Santos
Lucy Noble
Brady Alison
Cyrus Engle
Paloma Lozano
Makenzie Harris
We would like to invite everyone to attend this free concert next Thursday, February 3rd. The concert will begin at 6:00 pm. We would love for everyone to attend, however you MUST reserve your seats in advance. Tickets are free and can be reserved by going through the Newman Center’s Website. Please note that in order to attend, you must show your vaccine card (physical card or My Colorado app) or have a negative PCR Test within the past 72 hours of the event. Masks must be worn at all times, and please leave space when reserving seats
Recurring News
Denver Health Pediatric Clinic at South High School is happy to support South Athletics in two ways:
To schedule an appointment, call Denver Health South at 720-423-6260 or contact the main school-based number at 303-602-8958. Vaccinations can also be scheduled online at https://covid19.colorado.gov/kids-vaccines. We are happy to answer vaccine questions. Take care of yourselves.
SAT
Our 11th grade students will take the SAT in April. They have the option to take the essay portion of the test. The students must opt in for the essay. The essay registration window is Jan. 17 – Feb. 15, 2022. This will be the only opportunity for students who wish to take the optional essay to add it to their April school day test registration. Students may add the essay to their registration through their online College Board account or by calling the College Board.
Giving Grocery
If you and your family need extra groceries for the week, The Giving Grocery provides free groceries to South Families. For More information click here!
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT OF THE SOUTH HIGH SCHOOL GIVING GROCERY!